Albemarle and Bond rescue deal imminent to save branches and jobs

A rescue of Bristol-founded pawnbroker Albemarle & Bond will be completed this week after a deal was struck to save some of its 183 branches and 900 jobs. Administrators from PwC said negotiations with a preferred bidder for the sale of Albemarle as a going concern were at an advanced stage. It came after reports said ex-Bank of Scotland chief executive Sir Peter Burt was poised to buy it through his Promethean Investments private equity vehicle.